Events and charitable activities in Ramadan
The UAE hosts many interesting events to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan and the spirit of togetherness, charity and family cohesion that it brings along.
Check various social and cultural events during Ramadan in the UAE:
- Ramadan, at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Ramadan Events in Abu Dhabi
- Ramadan in Abu Dhabi
- Ramadan in Dubai
- Ramadan in Sharjah
- Ramadan in Ajman
- Ramadan in Ras Al Khaimah.
Find more in the events section.
Social and religious events
Religious lectures
General Authority of Islamic Affairs,Endowments & Zakat and other Islamic entities in each emirate conduct a number of religious lectures and sermons at various mosques across the country. Many world-renowned Islamic scholars are invited to enrich this spiritual month. You can follow the Authority on its official accounts on Instagram and X.
Dubai International Holy Quran Award
Dubai International Holy Quran Award is one of the country’s most prominent Ramadan events. It brings together reciters and contestants from around the world, and also includes lectures and seminars on faith and thought by specialised scholars. The event usually runs for 20 days, starting at the beginning of the holy month.
Initiatives of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat
During Ramadan, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat enhances its efforts through awareness and community campaigns, including:
- promoting awareness of the importance of zakat and its role in social solidarity
- introducing fatwa services and methods of Zakat calculation
- facilitating Zakat payment through more than 43 different payment channels.
These initiatives aim to support families in need and encourage the spirit of giving and charity.
Charitable activities
The spirit of giving and solidarity
Ramadan is a time for charity; giving to the less fortunate will be greatly appreciated. It doesn't have to be money, but perhaps food for Iftar. Providing free Iftar meals is a common practice across the UAE. Meals are provided at mosques, malls and other public places.
Iftar tents
Red Crescent Authority (RCA) and Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and other charitable organisations set up tents in various locations in the UAE to offer free Iftar meals. Setting up Ramadan tents is a fundamental practice in the UAE's tradition. It reflects the spirit of giving and sharing with people from different nationalities, social status and financial backgrounds who sit together to break their fast. Tents are usually seen near mosques, in open spaces and at the entrances of some Emiratis' houses. One can experience Emirati hospitality and traditions at these tents.
Various charitable initiatives
Many public and private organisations distribute boxes of meals, dates and water at mosques and malls, daily shortly before Iftar time. They also provide foodstuff (called Al Mir Al Ramadani) to cater to the poor.
Emirates Red Crescent campaigns (RCA)
RCA provides Ramadan supplies, distributes Zakat Al Fitr and Eid clothing to deserving families in the UAE and abroad. Individuals, companies and organisations interested in contributing to Red Crescent Society can do so through their counters located at mosques, shopping malls, hospitals and other public places.
Donation
You can donate clothes and money through registered charitable organisations by depositing them in designated boxes located at various public places. During Ramadan, many organisations set up tents near co-operative supermarkets for receiving donations.
As per the Donations Regulations, natural persons are not allowed to host, organise or carry out any fund-raising activity. Fund-raising must be done through one of the licensed charities or humanitarian organisations in the UAE.
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